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A Job Well Done

December 2, 2008 - Dan Voigt

The holiday season is officially upon us. I say that now with much more conviction than I would have say, two or three weeks ago, when some folks were still in the throes of football season. I realize that this is a bit after the fact, but, you know, better late than never is one of my favorite expressions. Like E’Hawk fans around the area, I was excited about the E’Hawks’ state championship at the UNI Dome back on Nov. 22. As I looked up in the stands on occasion during the television time outs, (a few too many at not such opportune times, I might add) I was pleasantly surprised as the turnout of fans and supporters wearing the black and gold who drove to Cedar Falls on roads that maybe weren’t exactly the best in the world, to support the E’Hawks. I’d look at the Emmetsburg fans, and then glanced across the floor of the Dome to the West Lyon fans, and it was easily apparent that Emmetsburg fans outnumbered the West Lyon crowd quite nicely. Anyhow, the game was truly a nail-biter in the finest sense of the expression. As the game unfolded, I kept thinking about an expression that Coach Duane Twait always used to impart on me during a season, especially around playoff time - “Offense scored points but Defense Wins Championships.” I heard the same thing from Coach Tom Steen during his leadership of the E’Hawks, and Coach Mike Dunlap agreed wholeheartedly with the observation. After Emmetsburg’s 3-0 win, I was caught up in the excitement of the moment much like everyone else, but there are a couple of things that stuck in my mind. As the E’Hawks took a knee at midfield to await the trophy presentation, West Lyon was saluted for their outstanding season and effort in the game. As the Wildcats were presented their runner-up trophy, the E’Hawks rose as one to applaud their opponents, while the Emmetsburg fans let out a loud round of applause and cheers for a well-played game. Of course, the roar grew even louder when the E’Hawks were presented with the ninth “Gold Cadillac”, but you wouldn’t have expected any less. The players took turns holding the trophy aloft, but it is a little heavier than one thinks - just ask Matt Wellik - who nearly dropped it as he held it up. But, Wellik got it hoisted up and proudly carried it to the sidelines in a swarm with his teammates, where they saluted their fans, families and classmates. There were tears of joy, from both players and parents, and I dare say a few coaches were a little misty eyed in the process, too. I wish I could have been back in town for the Welcome Home on Sunday, but our All State Selection meetings lasted until 4:30 in Des Moines, so I had to hear second hand of the appreciation of the coaching staff and the players for the support of the community during the season, but I know that the words were heart felt. If it takes a village to raise a child, then our community should be praised for all it has done to help our young people succeed in their endeavors. Now, let’s play a little basketball and wrestle, shall we? --by Dan Voigt